Multifunction peripheral

ABSTRACT

A multifunction peripheral comprises an operating panel, and a home screen for performing selection of an operation mode, etc. on the operating panel is displayed if a home button is operated. If selecting a simple copy button in the home screen, for example, a copy screen is displayed on the operating panel. Furthermore, if selecting a simple facsimile button in the home screen, a fax screen is displayed on the operating panel. Furthermore, if selecting a simple scan button in the home screen, a scan screen is displayed on the operating panel. Layout of the home screen and layout of each of the copy screen, the facsimile screen and the scan screen are similar to each other.

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

The disclosures of Japanese patent application Nos. 2015-183593 and2015-183594 both filed on Sep. 17, 2015 and the disclosure of Japanesepatent application No. 2016-114349 filed on Jun. 8, 2016 areincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a multifunction peripheral, and morespecifically, a multifunction peripheral comprising a display portionthat has a display screen having corner portions and displays a userinterface image for receiving a user operation.

Description of the Related Art

In image forming apparatuses, there is a multifunction peripheral (MFP)that combines a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a fax(facsimile) function, a scanner function, printer function, etc. intoone set, and it is expected to obtain a large business impact with asmall space.

On the other hand, in order to perform each function in themultifunction peripheral or image forming apparatus, specific settingthrough an operating portion thereof is required, it is predictable thatthere is a user having difficulty for operation. In Japanese patentapplication laying-open No. 2014-78159 [G06F 3/0482, G06F 3/12, G06F3/0481, H04N 1/00, B41J 29/38] (literature 1) laid-open on May 1, 2014,for example, there is disclosed a technology capable of implementing aneasy-to-use user interface even if a user is a beginner or an expert.

An image forming apparatus disclosed in this literature 1 comprises aplurality of operation modes such as a copy, a fax, etc., and a user ismade to select which one of the operation modes is to be performed in ahome screen, and when selecting a copy, for example, a beginner settingscreen for performing operation setting in a copy mode is displayed.However, since screen layout including arrangement etc. of buttons orkeys displayed on a screen is completely different between the homescreen and the beginner setting screen, there is a possibility that auser is confused at the time of operation. Therefore, there is room forimprovement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide anovel multifunction peripheral.

Furthermore, it is another object of the present invention to provide amultifunction peripheral capable of reduce as much as possible confusionof a user at the time of operation.

A first invention is a multifunction peripheral having a plurality ofoperation modes, comprising a display portion configured to display afirst user interface image for selecting an operation mode and a seconduser interface image for setting an operation condition in a selectedoperation mode, wherein the first user interface image has a pluralityof first operating icons for selecting a plurality of operation modes,and includes a first display region that the plurality first operatingicons are switchably displayed and a second display region that theplurality of first operating icons are fixedly displayed, and the seconduser interface image has a plurality of second operating icons forsetting a plurality of operation conditions, and includes a thirddisplay region that the plurality second operating icons are switchablydisplayed and a fourth display region that the plurality of secondoperating icons are fixedly displayed, the first display region and thethird display region have an overlapping area and the second displayregion and the fourth display region have an overlapping area.

A second invention is the multifunction peripheral according to thefirst invention, wherein the overlapping area has an area larger than anarea of a non-overlapping area in each of the first display region andthe third display region.

A third invention is the multifunction peripheral according to the firstinvention, wherein the overlapping area has an area larger than an areaof a non-overlapping area in each of the second display region and thefourth display region.

A fourth invention is the multifunction peripheral according to thefirst invention, wherein an entire display region of the display portionis a rectangular shape, and the second display region and the fourthdisplay region are provided along the same side of the entire displayregion.

A fifth invention is the multifunction peripheral according to the firstinvention, wherein an entire display region of the display portion is arectangular shape, and the second display region and the fourth displayregion are provided in the same corner portion of the entire displayregion.

A sixth invention is the multifunction peripheral according to the firstinvention, wherein an arrangement of the plurality of first operatingicons in the first display region and an arrangement of the plurality ofsecond operating icons in the third display region are substantively thesame.

A seventh invention is the multifunction peripheral according to thefirst invention, wherein a first number of the second operating iconsdisplayed in the third display region is the same as or less than asecond number of the first operating icons displayed in the firstdisplay region.

An eighth invention is the multifunction peripheral according to thefirst invention, wherein the plurality of second operating icons includea plurality of setting icons configured to set operation conditions, astart key configured to instruct performing image processing, and areset key configured to instruct clearing set content of the operationconditions, and irrespective of the operation mode, the plurality ofsetting icons are displayed in the third display region, and the startkey and the reset key are displayed in the fourth display region.

A ninth invention is the multifunction peripheral according to theeighth invention, wherein the start key is displayed in any one of thecorner portions of the entire display region of the display portion, andthe reset key is displayed in another one of the corner portions of theentire display region of the display portion.

The above mentioned objects and other objects, features, aspects andadvantages of the present invention will become more apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the present invention when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a structural view of an image forming apparatus according tothe present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing an operating portion.

FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) are explanatory views showing a home screen.

FIGS. 4(B) and 4(B) are explanatory views showing a basic screen of asimple copy mode.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a sheet selection screen of thesimple copy mode.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a double-sided copy screen of thesimple copy mode.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a ten key screen of the simplecopy mode.

FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) are explanatory views showing a basic screen of asimple fax mode.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing an address book screen of thesimple fax mode.

FIGS. 10(A) and 10 (B) are explanatory views showing a basic screen of asimple scan mode.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a history screen of the simplescan mode.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing control processing by a control portion.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of simple copy processing by thecontrol portion.

FIG. 14 is another part of the simple copy processing by the controlportion, and is a flowchart following FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a part of simple fax processing by thecontrol portion.

FIG. 16 is another part of the simple fax processing by the controlportion, and is a flowchart following FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a part of simple scan processing by thecontrol portion.

FIG. 18 is another part of the simple scan processing by the controlportion, and is a flowchart following FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In the following, an image forming apparatus according to the presentinvention will be described with reference to drawings. FIG. 1 is astructural view of the image forming apparatus according to the presentinvention, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of an operating portion ofFIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 has a communicationI/F 11, an operating portion 12, a document reading portion 13, an imageprocessing portion 14, a printing portion 15, a storage portion 16, acontrol portion 17, etc., and these are connected to via a bus(es).

The control portion 17 is constituted communicably with externalapparatuses (illustration omitted) via the communication I/F 11. Thecommunication I/F 11 comprises a fax (facsimile) communication portion,an infrared communication portion, etc., for example.

The control portion 17 comprises one or more CPUs (Central ProcessingUnit), for example, and loads to a RAM various kinds of programs anddata that are stored in a ROM of the storage portion 16, and executesthis loaded programs in the RAM, whereby an overall operation of theimage forming apparatus 10 can be controlled based on a contentdesignated or instructed by a user while processing data.

The document reading portion 13 is constituted so that a document thatis set to a predetermined position can be optically read, and an imageof the read document is output to the image processing portion 14 viathe control portion 17.

The operating portion 12 is arranged in this side (near side) from thedocument reading portion 13, for example, and comprises an operatingpanel 20 that includes a liquid crystal display 22 and a touch panel 21of a transparent resistance film system, and hardware keys 23 usingcontacts as shown also in FIG. 2.

The touch panel 21 is formed so as to overlap the display 22, and theoperating panel 20 of this embodiment is formed in a shape of alaterally elongated rectangular. That is, a shape of a whole of adisplay region (entire display region) of the operating panel 20(display 22) is a rectangular shape. The touch panel 21 receives a touchoperation (touch input) by a user, and applies (inputs) coordinate datacorresponding to a touch position to the control portion 17.

A user interface image for receiving a user operation to the imageforming apparatus 10 can be displayed on the operating panel 20. Inaddition, the operating panel 20 corresponds to a display portion of thepresent invention. Furthermore, it is also possible to form theoperating panel 20 in a shape of a longitudinally elongated rectangular.

Furthermore, the hardware keys 23 apply (input) operation data accordingto a key or button that a user operates to the control portion 17. Forexample, the hardware keys 23 include a home button for instructingdisplaying of a home screen, and a power saving button for instructingsetting and cancellation (return to a normal mode) of a power savingmode.

The image processing portion 14 performs various kinds of processingtransmission data sent from an external apparatus, data that a documentis read by the document reading portion 13, etc., thereby to produceimage data. This produced image data can be output to the printingportion 15. The above-described transmission data, data that is readfrom a document and produced image data are stored in an input imagearea 31 of the storage portion 16.

The printing portion 15 is configured to be able to perform printing byperforming sheet feeding, image forming, transfer, fixing, sheetdischarge, etc., and can print image data from the image processingportion 14 on a sheet.

Furthermore, the control portion 17 comprises a display control portion30, for example. The display control portion 30 can adjust a displayingcontent of the operating panel 20, and makes the operating panel 20display a start key for starting a predetermined operation or action ofthe image forming apparatus 10, a reset key for stopping settingconcerning a predetermined operation or action of the image formingapparatus 10, a function selection image(s) for making a user select afunction to be performed by the image forming apparatus 10, etc.

FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) are explanatory views of a home screen displayed onthe operating panel 20 explained with FIG. 2.

In the image forming apparatus 10, in order to make a user easy tooperate, a simple mode is provided separately from a conventionalsetting mode (also called, a normal mode). In the following description,an image(s) for selecting a button(s), a key(s), or a function(s)displayed on the operating panel 20 is also called an icon(s) (operatingicon(s)).

In the simple mode, it is possible to set and perform a job onlyaccording to a display content on the operating panel 20. In detail, thehome screen is divided into a home first screen 41 shown in FIG. 3(A)and a home second screen 42 shown in FIG. 3(B), for example, and it ispossible to perform transition between the home first screen 41 and thehome second screen 42 by a tap operation to an arrow mark button 45 or aflick operation to the home first home screens 41 and the home secondscreen 42.

A system region 400 that is extended in a lateral or horizontaldirection with a belt-like shape (rectangular shape) is formed in anupper end portion of each of the home screens 41 and 42. The systemregion 400 is provided with a simple copy button 43 a, a simple faxbutton 43 b, a simple scan button 43 c, etc. for selecting eachoperation mode.

Below the system region 400, a display region 410 for displaying menuimages 44 for selecting each operation mode is formed. A simple copybutton 44 a, a simple fax button 44 b, a simple scan button 44 c and anFTP/Desktop button 44 d are provided in the home first screen 41, and acopy button 44 e, a fax button 44 f, an E-Mail button 44 g and a sharedfolder button 44 h are provided in the home second screen 42.

The simple copy button 43 a, the simple fax button 43 b, the simple scanbutton 43 c in the system region 400, and the simple copy button 44 a,the simple fax button 44 b and the simple scan button 44 c in the homefirst screen 41 correspond to a transition or shifting button to thesimple mode. Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to performtransition to the simple mode from the system region 400 in each of thehome screens 41 and 42, or the menu images 44 of the home first screen41.

Furthermore, on each of the home screens 41 and 42, a display region 420provided with button images 46 a, 46 b, 46 c, 46 d, 46 e and 46 f forselecting other menus different from the operation mode is providedbelow the display region 410. The display region 420 has a shape of alaterally elongated rectangular, for example, and is displayed on alower end portion of each of the home screens 41 and 42. Theabove-described button images 46 a-46 f are displayed in this displayregion 420 side by side in the lateral or horizontal direction.

Although a detailed description is omitted, the button image 46 a isprovided in order to display an operation guide. The button image 46 bis provided in order to set a character size of the character to bedisplayed on the operating panel 20. The button image 46 c is providedin order to set a language of characters to be displayed on theoperating panel 20. The button image 46 d is provided in order todisplay a total number of sheets used up to now. The button image 46 eis provided in order to adjust luminosity (display brightness) of theoperating panel 20 (display 22). The button image 46 f is provided inorder to display announcements from manufacturer or distributor of thisimage forming apparatus 10.

In addition, the number and functions of these button images 46 a-46 fare an example, and do not need to be limited. These can be suitablychanged according to a kind of image forming apparatus 10, etc.Furthermore, it is also possible to make the user select the buttonimages 46 a-46 f to be displayed.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are explanatory views of a basic screen in thesimple copy mode.

If selecting the simple copy button 43 a or the simple copy button 44 ashown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), a copy first screen 51 shown in FIG. 4(A)is displayed. Furthermore, transition from the copy first screen 51 to acopy second screen 52 shown in FIG. 4(B) can be performed by a flickoperation etc. The copy first screen 51 and the copy second screen 52are screens for setting operation conditions such as sheet selection,double-sided copy, magnification, staple function, color mode,orientation of image, copying density, page aggregation (N-in-1), etc.when the operation mode is the simple copy mode.

A display region 500 for indicating that the operation mode is thesimple copy mode is formed in an upper end portion of the copy firstscreen 51, and a display region 510 for displaying function selectionimages 55 is provided below this display region 500. Furthermore, adisplay region 520 for displaying a start key 53, a reset key 54, etc.is provided below this display region 510 and in a lower end portion ofthe copy first screen 51. Each of the display regions 500, 510 and 520has a shape of a laterally elongated rectangular.

The start key 53 is displayed in any one of corner areas or cornerportions of the copy first screen 51. For example, the start key 53 isdisplayed on a corner area at the lower right of the copy first screen51, that is, an area at a right end of the display region 520. The startkey 53 is provided in a shape of a laterally elongated rectangular.Furthermore, the start key 53 is divided into right and left portions atan approximately center thereof, and a monochrome start key 53 a isprovided in the left, and a color start key 53 b is provided in theright.

On the other hand, the reset key 54 is displayed in a corner areadifferent from the corner area where the start key 53 is displayed amongthe corner areas of the copy first screen 51. That is, the reset key 54is displayed in a corner area at the lower left of the copy first screen51, that is, an area at the left end of the display region 520. Thereset key 54 is provided in a shape of a laterally elongatedrectangular, and it is provided in size a little smaller than themonochrome start key 53 a (or color start key 53 b).

Since the start key 53 and the reset key 54 are thus formed withsoftware keys, change of specifications such as an arrangement, a shape,etc. becomes easy. Furthermore, an operation start or suspension ofsetting of the image forming apparatus 10 can be attained by a tapoperation to the display screen.

Furthermore, although the start key 53 and the reset key 54 are keysthat lead to completely different results, since these are displayed ondifferent corner areas in the same display screen, it is possible toreduce an erroneous operation. Especially, if the start key 53 and thereset key 54 are displayed separately on the corner areas at the lowerright and the corner area at the lower left in the display screen, it ispossible to reduce an erroneous operation when using the same hand.

Furthermore, the display region 520 has a size comparable to the displayregion 420 of each of the home screens 41 and 42, for example. However,the display region 520 may be the same size as the display region 420.Therefore, in an entire display region of the operating panel 20, thedisplay region 420 and the display region 520 are provided in the sameposition in a comparable size or the same size. Accordingly, whenoverlapping each of the home screens 41 and 42 with the copy firstscreen 51, an area where the display region 420 and the display region520 are overlapped (duplicated) with each other is larger than an areawhere those are not overlapped (duplicated) with each other.

Thus, the display region 520 where respective keys 53, 54, etc. arefixedly displayed is provided in the same position as the display region420 where the button images 46 a-46 f are fixedly displayed, in thecomparable or same size, and therefore, the respective home screens 41and 42 and the copy first screen 51 (or the copy second screen 52) aresimilar to each other in an arrangement (layout) of displaying areas fordisplaying respective buttons or keys. Accordingly, it is possible toreduce as much as possible confusion of the user at the time ofoperation.

Like the copy first screen 51, in the copy second screen 52 shown inFIG. 4(B), a start key 53 is displayed in a corner area at the lowerright, and a reset key 54 is displayed in a corner area at the lowerleft. That is, the start key 53 is displayed in a right end area of thedisplay region 520, and the reset key 54 is displayed in a left end areaof the display region 520. When transiting to a plurality of displayscreens as in the copy first screen 51 or the copy second screen 52,since the start key 53 and the reset key 54 are always displayed, theuser can also perform promptly an operation start or suspension ofsetting of the image forming apparatus 10.

In contrast, as described above, the function selection images 55 aredisplayed on the display region 510. Although the number of functionscapable of being selected is restricted by eight (8) pieces in thesimple mode, respective buttons and characters are displayed in a largesize, and it is devised so that the user can easily operate.

For example, in the copy first screen 51, four (4) function buttons of asheet selection button 55 a, a double-sided copy button 55 b, amagnification button 55 c and a staple button 55 d are provided abovethe start key 53 and the reset key 54 over to a right end from a leftend of the display region 510. In the second screen 52 of a copy, four(4) function buttons of a color mode button 55 e, an image orientationbutton 55 f, a copying density button 55 g and a page aggregation button55 h are provided in the same position as the copy first screen 51.Thus, the function selection images 55 can be displayed over to theright end from the left end of the display region 510, and therefore, itis possible to display many functions.

Furthermore, because the display region 500 has a size the same orcomparable to the system region 400, the display region 410 and thedisplay region 510 also have the same or comparable size. Therefore,since the display region 520 where the function selection images 55 areswitchably displayed is provided in the same position of the displayregion 410 where the menu images 44 are switchably displayed, in thesame or comparable size, the respective home screens 41 and 42 and thecopy first screen 51 (or the copy second screen 52) are similar to eachother in an arrangement (layout) of displaying areas for displayingmovable images. Furthermore, since the number of the function selectionimages 55 displayed at once is the same as the number of the menu images44 displayed at once and the images 44 and 55 are aligned in the lateraldirection, the arrangements of the images within the display region 410and the display region 520 are also similar to each other. Alsoaccording to these points, it is possible to reduce as much as possibleconfusion of the user at the time of operation.

However, in the simple copy mode that the number of selectable functionsis restricted, it is impossible to select items such assorting/grouping, binding margin, cover/interleaving sheet, etc. Theitem that cannot be selected in the simple copy mode may be selectedafter transition to the normal copy mode by selecting the copy button 44e in the home second screen 42 shown in FIG. 3(B), or selecting a detailbutton shown in the upper right in the copy first screen 51 or the copysecond screen 52 in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B).

Then, when selecting the sheet selection button 55 a in the copy firstscreen 51 shown in FIG. 4(A), for example, a sheet selection screen ofthe simple copy mode is displayed.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the sheet selection screen in thesimple copy mode, and in the sheet selection screen 56, selectable traysand kinds of sheets therein are displayed other than a tray currentlyselected and a kind of a sheet therein.

Here, a start key 53 of a shape of a laterally elongated rectangular isdisplayed in a corner area at the lower right of the sheet selectionscreen 56. That is, this start key 53 is displayed in the same lowerright corner area in the same shape and the same size as those of thestart key displayed in the copy first screen 51 or the copy secondscreen 52 explained with FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B). Furthermore, a reset key54 is displayed in a corner area at the lower left of the sheetselection screen 56, and this reset key 54 is also displayed in the samelower left corner area in the same shape and the same size as those ofthe reset key displayed on the copy first screen 51 or the copy secondscreen 52. Thus, the start key and the reset key change neither aposition, a size nor shape, they contribute to reduction of erroneousoperation, speeding up of the operation start and suspension of settingin the image forming apparatus 10.

Furthermore, since the start key 53 and the reset key 54 are alwaysdisplayed also when transiting to a plurality of display screens such asthe sheet selection screen 56 shown in FIG. 5 from the copy first screen51 shown in FIG. 4(A), this point also contributes to speeding up of anoperation start or suspension of setting of an image forming apparatus10.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a double-sided copy screen in thesimple copy mode, and when selecting the double-sided copy button 55 bin the copy first screen 51 shown in FIG. 4(A), a double-sided copyscreen 57 of the simple copy mode is displayed. In the double-sided copyscreen 57, a kind of selectable double-sided copy and a binding methodare displayed. Furthermore, if selecting a preview button of thedouble-sided copy screen 57, since a preview image is displayed in theright end of the double-sided copy screen 57, the user can select thekind of double-sided copy and the binding method while viewing thepreview image.

Here, a start key 53 that is the same or similar to that in the sheetselection screen 56 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on a corner area at thelower right of the double-sided copy screen 57, and a reset key 54 thatis the same or similar to that in the sheet selection screen 56 isdisplayed on a corner area at the lower left of the double-sided copyscreen 57.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view a ten key screen in the simple copy mode.A number-of-copies display portion 58 is displayed at the center lowerend, for example of the copy first screen 51 or the copy second screen52 shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B). If the user taps the number-of-copiesdisplay portion 58, as shown in FIG. 7, a ten key 59 for inputting thenumber-of-processing of the image forming is displayed in the center ofthe display screen, and a ten key input display portion 59 a is alsodisplayed above the ten key 59. When inputting with the ten key 59 andselecting an OK button shown in the upper right of this screen, thenumber-of-copies display portion 58 and the ten key 59, for example arenon-displayed, and only the ten key input display portion 59 a isdisplayed. Accordingly, when inputting with the ten key 59, even if thenumber-of-copies display portion 58 is hidden by a wrist, for example,since the ten key input display portion 59 a is formed above the ten key59 and thus it becomes difficult to be hidden by a hand, confirmation ofan input result with the ten key 59 becomes easy.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, if thesimple copy mode is selected, the display control portion 30 explainedwith FIG. 1 displays the copy first screen 51 in FIG. 4(A). When theuser wants to copy after selecting a suitable sheet, if selecting thesheet selection button 55 a in the copy first screen 51, for example,the sheet selection screen 56 of the simple copy mode of FIG. 5 is madeto be displayed, the start key 53 and the reset key 54 are bothdisplayed in also the sheet selection screen 56 separately from eachother. Then, when the setting concerning with the sheet is completed inthe sheet selection screen 56, if operating the start key 53 beingdisplayed in the sheet selection screen 56, the copy is started.Therefore, other function buttons, a ten key, etc. that are displayed inthe normal mode do not come into view and thus are not conscious untilthe copy start from the setting of the sheet, whereby the copy can becompleted on a single screen of the sheet selection screen 56.

Although the above-described embodiment explained by exemplifying thesimple copy mode, it does not need to be limited to this embodiment. Inalso a case of the simple fax mode or the simple scan mode, for example,it is possible to expect an advantageous effect the same or similar tothat in the simple copy mode.

In addition, although the above-described embodiment is explained a casewhere the start key 53 is displayed on the corner area at the lowerright of the operating panel 20 and the reset key 54 is displayed on thecorner area at the lower left of the operating panel 20 in the copyfirst screen 51 and the copy second screen 52, it does not need to belimited to this. The reset key 54 may be displayed on a corner area ofthe upper left or the upper right of the operating panel 20, forexample. Furthermore, positions where the start key 53 and the reset key54 are displayed may be replaced with each other. That is, the start key53 is displayed in any one of the corner areas (corner portions) of theoperating panel 20, and the reset key 54 is displayed in another one ofthe corner areas. These are the same also about a start key 63 and areset key 64, and about a start key 73 and a reset key 74, describedlater.

Second Embodiment

FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) are explanatory views of a basic screen of thesimple fax mode.

If selecting the simple fax button 43 b or the simple fax button 44 bshown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), a fax first screen 61 shown in FIG. 8(A)is displayed, and it is possible to transit from the fax first screen 61to a fax second screen 62 shown in FIG. 8(B) by a flick operation etc.Each of the fax first screen 61 and the fax second screen 62 is a screenfor setting operation conditions in a case where the operation mode isthe simple fax mode, such as selection of destination with an addressbook, display of a history, direct input, setting of document size,setting of reading density of document, setting of image quality, lineselection, etc.

In the fax first screen 61, a display region 600 for indicating that theoperation mode is the simple fax mode is provided in an upper endportion, and a display region 610 for displaying function selectionimages 65 is provided below this display region 600. Furthermore, adisplay region 620 for displaying a start key 63 and a reset key 64 isprovided below this display region 610 in a lower end portion of the faxfirst screen 61. The display regions 600, 610 and 620 have a shape of alaterally elongated rectangular, respectively.

The start key 63 is displayed in a corner area at the lower right of thefax first screen 61, for example. That is, the start key 63 is displayedin a right end area of the display region 620. The start key 63 isprovided in a shape of a laterally elongated rectangular.

On the other hand, the reset key 64 is displayed on a corner area at thelower left of the fax first screen 61, for example. That is, the resetkey 64 is displayed on a left end area of the display region 620.Although the reset key 64 is provided in a shape of a laterallyelongated rectangular, it is provided in size smaller than the start key63.

In also a fax second screen 62 shown in FIG. 8(B), like the fax firstscreen 61, a start key 63 is displayed in a corner area at the lowerright and a reset key 64 is displayed in a corner area at the lowerleft.

In contrast, only function selection images 65 are displayed in aremaining area except the start key 63 and the reset key 64.

For example, three (3) function buttons of an address book button 65 a,a history button 65 b and a direct input button 65 c are provided in thefax first screen 61 above the start key 63 and the reset key 64 over toa right end from a left end of the display region 610. In the fax secondscreen 62, four (4) function buttons of a document button 65 d, adensity button 65 e, an image quality button 65 f and a line selectionbutton 65 g are provided in the same or similar positions as in the faxfirst screen 61.

Since a display region 620 where the function selection images 65 areswitchably displayed is provided in the fax screens 61 and 62 in thesame position of the display region 410 where the menu images 44 areswitchably displayed, in the same or comparable size, an arrangement(layout) of displaying areas of movable images is similar to that of therespective home screens 41 and 42. Furthermore, since the number of thefunction selection images 65 is the same as the number of the menuimages 44 displayed at once and the images 44 and 65 are aligned in thelateral direction, arrangements of the images within the display region410 and the display region 620 are also similar to each other. Inaddition, in the fax first screen 61 shown in FIG. 8(A), the number ofthe function selection images 65 is less than the number of the menuimages 44.

Furthermore, the display region 620 where respective keys 63 and 64 etc.are fixedly displayed is provided in the same position of the displayregion 420 where the button images 46 a-46 f are fixedly displayed, inthe comparable or same size, and therefore, the respective home screens41 and 42 and the fax screens 61 and 62 are similar to each other in anarrangement (layout) of displaying areas for displaying respectivebuttons or keys.

Accordingly, also when the simple fax mode is selected as an operationmode, it is possible to reduce as much as possible confusion of the userat the time of operation.

However, in the simple fax mode that the number of selectable functionsis restricted, it is impossible to select items such as mass documentmode, the number of documents count, time designation, etc., forexample. The item that cannot be selected in the simple fax mode may beselected after transition to the normal fax mode by selecting the faxbutton 44 f of the home second screen 42 shown in FIG. 3(B), orselecting a detail button shown in the upper right in the fax firstscreen 61 or the fax second screen 62 in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B).

Then, when selecting the address book button 65 a, for example in thefax first screen 61 shown in FIG. 8(A), an address book screen of thesimple fax mode is displayed.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the address book screen of the simplefax mode, and when selecting the address book button 65 a in the faxfirst screen 61 shown in FIG. 8(A), the address book screen 66 of thesimple fax mode is displayed. Destination addresses and fax numbers thatcan be selected at the present are displayed on the address book screen66 over to a left end from a center of the display screen, and can bescrolled in an up-and-down direction.

Here, the start key 63 of a shape of a laterally elongated rectangularis shown in a corner area at the lower right of the address book screen66. That is, this start key 63 is displayed on the same lower rightcorner area in the same shape and the same size as those of the startkey displayed on the fax first screen 61 or the fax second screen 62explained with FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B). Then, when selection of adestination address is completed, the start key 63 becomes selectable.

On the other hand, the reset key 64 is displayed on a corner area at theupper right of the address book screen 66. That is, this reset key 64 isdisplayed in the same shape but in a corner area different from thereset key displayed on the fax first screen 61 or the fax second screen62.

When displaying the destination addresses in the up-and-down directionin the display screen as in the fax mode, if the reset key is moved fromthe lower left of the display screen to be displayed in the upper rightcorner area, it is possible to ensure a displaying area of thedestination addresses, and to reduce an erroneous operation, and toperform promptly an operation start and suspension of setting of theimage forming apparatus 10.

In addition, in a case of a large display screen, a start key and areset key can also be displayed in corner areas on a diagonal line,respectively.

Third Embodiment

FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B) are explanatory views of a basic screen of thesimple scan mode.

If selecting the simple scan button 43 c or the simple scan button 44 cshown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), a scan first screen 71 shown in FIG. 10(A)is displayed, and it is possible to transit from the scan first screen71 to a scan second screen 72 shown in FIG. 10(B) by a flick operationetc. Each of the scan first screen 71 and the scan second screen 72 is ascreen for setting operation conditions in a case where the operationmode is the simple scan mode, such as selection of destination with anaddress book, display of a history, global address search, setting ofsaving destination, setting of document size, setting of readingresolution of document, setting of format, blank sheet skip function,etc.

In the scan first screen 71, a display region 700 for indicating thatthe operation mode is the simple scan mode is provided in an upper endportion, and a display region 710 for displaying function selectionimages 75 is provided below this display region 700. Furthermore, adisplay region 720 for displaying a start key 73 and a reset key 74 isprovided below this display region 710 in a lower end portion of thescan first screen 71. The display regions 700, 710 and 720 have a shapeof a laterally elongated rectangular, respectively.

The start key 73 consisting of a monochrome start key 73 a and a colorstart key 73 b like the start key 53 explained with FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B)is displayed in a corner area at the lower right of the scan firstscreen 71. That is, the start key 73 is displayed in a right end area ofthe display region 720.

On the other hand, the reset key 74 the same as the reset key 54explained with FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) is displayed on a corner area at thelower left of the scan first screen 71. That is, the reset key 74 isdisplayed on a left end area of the display region 720.

In also a scan second screen 72 shown in FIG. 10(B), like the scan firstscreen 71, a start key 73 is displayed on a corner area at the lowerright and a reset key 74 is displayed in a corner area at the lowerleft.

In contrast, only function selection images 75 are displayed in aremaining area except the start key 73 and the reset key 74.

For example, four (4) function buttons of an address book button 75 a, ahistory button 75 b, a global address search button 75 c and abody/device saving button 75 c are provided in the scan first screen 71above the start key 73 and the reset key 74 over to a right end from aleft end of the display region 710. In the scan second screen 72, four(4) function buttons of a document button 75 e, a resolution button 75f, a format button 75 g and a blank sheet skip button 75 h are providedin the same position as the scan first screen 71.

Since a display region 720 where the function selection images 75 areswitchably displayed is provided in the scan screens 71 and 72 in thesame position of the display region 410 where the menu images 44 areswitchably displayed, in the same or comparable size, an arrangement(layout) of displaying areas of movable images is similar to that of therespective home screens 41 and 42. Furthermore, since the number of thefunction selection images 75 is the same as the number of the menuimages 44 displayed at once and the images 44 and 55 are aligned in thelateral direction, the arrangements of the images within the displayregion 410 and the display region 720 are also similar to each other.

Furthermore, the display region 720 where respective keys 73, 74 etc.are fixedly displayed is provided in the same position of the displayregion 420 where the button images 46 a-46 f are fixedly displayed, inthe comparable or same size, and therefore, the respective home screens41 and 42 and the scan screens 71 and 72 are similar to each other in anarrangement (layout) of displaying areas for displaying respectivebuttons or keys.

Accordingly, also when the simple scan mode is selected as an operationmode, it is possible to reduce as much as possible confusion of the userat the time of operation.

However, in the simple scan mode that the number of selectable functionsis restricted, it is impossible to select items such as mass documentmode, the number of documents count, book division, etc., for example.The item that cannot be selected in the simple scan mode may be selectedafter transition to the normal scan mode by selecting the E-Mail button44 g or the shared folder button 44 h of the home second screen 42 shownin FIG. 3(B) to select image transmission, or selecting a detail buttonshown in the upper right in the scan first screen 71 or the scan secondscreen 72 in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B).

Then, when selecting the history button 75 b, for example in the scanfirst screen 71 shown in FIG. 10(A), a history screen of the simple scanmode is displayed.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of the history screen in the simple scanmode, and currently re-transmittable destinations and addresses aredisplayed on the history screen 76 over to a left end from the center ofthe display screen. In addition, if the number of histories increases, ascroll in the up-and-down direction becomes possible.

Here, the start key 73 of a shape of a laterally elongated rectangularis shown in a corner area at the lower right of the history screen 76.That is, this start key 73 is displayed on the same lower right cornerarea in the same shape and the same size as those of the start keydisplayed on the scan first screen 71 or the scan second screen 72explained with FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B).

On the other hand, the reset key 74 is displayed on a corner area at theupper right of the history screen 76. That is, this reset key 74 isdisplayed in the same shape but in a corner area different from thereset key displayed on the scan first screen 71 or the scan secondscreen 72.

When displaying the history in the up-and-down direction in the displayscreen like the scan mode, if the reset key is moved from the lower leftof the display screen to be displayed in the upper right corner area, itis possible to ensure a displaying area of the history, and to reduce anerroneous operation, and to perform promptly an operation start andsuspension of setting of the image forming apparatus 10.

Fourth Embodiment

In the fourth embodiment, selection of each operation mode andprocessing of the control portion 17 in the selected operation mode willbe described specifically. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example ofcontrol processing for controlling an overall operation of the imageforming apparatus 10 by the control portion 17. FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 areflowcharts showing an example of simple copy processing by the controlportion 17. FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are flowcharts showing an example ofsimple fax processing by the control portion 17. FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 areflowcharts showing an example of simple scan processing by the controlportion 17.

If a power supply of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on or theimage forming apparatus 10 is shifted to the normal mode from apower-saving mode, as shown in FIG. 12, the control portion 17 startsthe control processing, and displays the home first screen 41 as shownin FIG. 3(A) on the operating panel 20 in a step S1.

In a next step S3, it is determined whether there is any user operation.Here, the control portion 17 determines whether coordinate data is inputfrom the touch panel 21 constituting the operating panel 20. The controlportion 17 further determines whether operation data is input from thehardware key 23. If “NO” is determined in the step S3, that is, if thereis no user operation, the process returns to the step S1. On the otherhand, if “YES” is determined in the step S3, that is, if there is a useroperation, it is determined, in a step S5, whether a tap operation tothe arrow mark button 45 is performed, or whether a flick operation isperformed.

Here, the control portion 17 determines whether a tap operation to thearrow mark button 45 is performed by determining whether the coordinatedata that is input from the touch panel 21 is included within adisplaying area of the arrow mark button 45. In the following, the samealso applies when determining whether a tap operation to other buttonsor keys that are displayed on the operating panel 20 is performed, andwhether a tap operation to the displaying area or portion is performed(designation or selection is performed). Furthermore, the controlportion 17 determines whether a flick operation is performed bydetermining whether a touch position indicated by the coordinate data ischanged more than a predetermined distance within a predetermined timeperiod. In the following, the same applies.

If “YES” is determined in the step S5, that is, if a tap operation tothe arrow mark button 45 is performed or a flick operation is performed,the home first screen 41 and the home second screen 42 as shown in FIG.3(B) are replaced with each other in a step S7. That is, in the step S7,if the home first screen 41 is being displayed on the operating panel20, it is replaced with the home second screen 42, and if the homesecond screen 42 is being displayed on the operating panel 20, it ischanged to the home first screen 41. The same applies when changing thecopy first screen 51 and the copy second screen 52, changing the faxfirst screen 61 and the fax second screen 62, and when changing the scanfirst screen 71 and the scan second screen 72, as described later.

On the other hand, if “NO” is determined in the step S5, that is, if atap operation to the arrow mark button 45 is not performed and no flickoperation is performed, it is determined, in a step S9, whether a tapoperation to either the simple copy buttons 43 a or 44 a is performed.

If “YES” is determined in the step S9, that is, if a tap operation toeither the simple copy buttons 43 a or 44 a is performed, the processreturns to the step S1 after performing in a step S11 the simple copyprocessing (see FIG. 13 and FIG. 14) described later. On the other hand,if “NO” is determined in the step S9, that is, if no tap operation toboth the simple copy buttons 43 a and 44 a is performed, it isdetermined, in a step S13, whether a tap operation to either the simplefax buttons 43 b or 44 b is performed.

If “YES” is determined in the step S13, that is, if a tap operation toeither the simple fax buttons 43 b or 44 b is performed, the processreturns to the step S1 after performing in a step S15 the simple faxprocessing (see FIG. 15 and FIG. 16) described later. On the other hand,if “NO” is determined in the step S13, that is, if no tap operation toboth the simple fax buttons 43 b and 44 b is performed, it isdetermined, in a step S17, whether a tap operation to either the simplescan buttons 43 c or 44 c is performed.

If “YES” is determined in the step S17, that is, if a tap operation toeither the simple scan buttons 43 c or 44 c is performed, the processreturns to the step S1 after performing in a step S19 the simple scanprocessing (see FIG. 17 and FIG. 18) described later. On the other hand,if “NO” is determined in the step S17, that is, if no tap operation toboth the simple scan buttons 43 c and 44 c is performed, the processreturns to the step S1 after performing in a step S21 other processing.As the other processing, for example, processing according to otherbuttons or keys displayed on the home first screen 41 or the home secondscreen 42 is performed.

In addition, when the home button of the hardware key 23 is operated inthe simple copy processing, the simple fax processing or the simple scanprocessing, interruption processing is performed so that each processingis forcedly terminated, and the process returns to the step S1.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are flowcharts showing an example of the simple copyprocessing in the step S11 shown in FIG. 12. In the following, althoughthe simple copy processing will be described, the same processing orsimilar processing as the already explained processing will be describedsimply. If the simple copy processing is started as shown in FIG. 13,the copy first screen 51 as shown in FIG. 4(A) is displayed on theoperating panel 20 in a step S51. In a next step S53, it is determinedwhether there is any user operation. If “NO” is determined in the stepS53, the process returns to the step S51.

On the other hand, if “YES” is determined in the step S53, it isdetermined, in a step S55, whether a tap operation to the arrow markbutton 45 is performed, or a flick operation is performed. If “YES” isdetermined in the step S55, the copy first screen 51 and the copy secondscreen 52 as shown in FIG. 4(B) are replaced with each other in a stepS57.

On the other hand, if “NO” is determined in the step S55, it isdetermined, in a step S59, whether a tap operation to the sheetselection button 55 a is performed. If “YES” is determined in the stepS59, that is, if a tap operation to the sheet selection button 55 a isperformed, the sheet selection screen 56 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayedon the operating panel 20 in a step S61, and the process returns to thestep S53. On the other hand, if “NO” is determined in the step S59, thatis, if a tap operation to the sheet selection button 55 a is notperformed, it is determined, in a step S63, whether a tap operation tothe double-sided copy button 55 b is performed.

If “YES” is determined in the step S63, that is, if a tap operation tothe double-sided copy button 55 b is performed, the double-sided copyscreen 57 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the operating panel 20 in astep S65, and the process returns to the step S53. On the other hand, if“NO” is determined in the step S63, that is, if a tap operation to thedouble-sided copy button 55 b is not performed, it is determined, in astep S67, whether a tap operation to the number-of-copies displayportion 58 is performed.

If “YES” is determined in the step S67, that is, if the number-of-copiesdisplay portion 58 is tapped, a ten key screen (the ten key 59 and theten key input display portion 59 a) is displayed on the operating panel20 in a step S69, and the process returns to the step S53. On the otherhand, if “NO” is determined in the step S67, it is determined, in a stepS71, whether the setting content is to be changed. Specifically, whenthe sheet selection screen 56 is being displayed on the operating panel20, it is determined whether a kind of a tray or a sheet is selected(changed) as the setting content. Furthermore, when the double-sidedcopy screen 57 is being displayed on the operating panel 20, a kind ofthe double-sided copy or a binding method is selected (changed) as thesetting content. Furthermore, when the ten key screen is being displayedon the operating panel 20, as the setting content, it is determinedwhether the number-of-processing is input (changed) with the ten key 59,or whether the number-of-processing is settled by performing a tapoperation to the OK button.

If “YES” is determined in the step S71, that is, if the setting contentis to be changed, change processing of the setting content according toa screen that is being displayed is performed in a step S73, and theprocess returns to step S53. On the other hand, if “NO” is determined inthe step S71, that is, not change of the setting content, it isdetermined, in a step S75 shown in FIG. 14, whether a tap operation tothe reset key 54 is performed. If “YES” is determined in the step S75,that is, if a tap operation to the reset key 54 is performed, thesetting content is initialized in a step S77, and the process returns tothe step S53 shown in FIG. 13. On the other hand, if “NO” is determinedin the step S75, that is, if a tap operation to the reset key 54 is notperformed, it is determined, in a step S79, whether a tap operation tothe start key 53 is performed.

If “NO” is determined in the step S79, that is, a tap operation to thestart key 53 is not performed, the process returns to the step S53 afterperforming other processing in a step S81. Although detailed descriptionis omitted, as the other processing, display of magnification selectionscreen, selection of magnification, on/off of staple function, displayof color mode setting screen, setting color mode, display of imageorientation selection screen, setting of image orientation, display ofcopying density setting screen, setting of copying density, display ofaggregation (N-in-1) selection screen, selection aggregation (N-in-1),etc. corresponds. Furthermore, when operating the home button, thecontrol portion 17 forcedly terminates the simple copy processing, andreturns to the step S1 shown in FIG. 12 by interruption. This is truealso about the simple fax processing and the simple scan processingdescribed later.

On the other hand, if “YES” is determined in the step S79, that is, if atap operation to the start key 53 is performed, the process returns tothe step S3 after performing the copy processing in a step S83. Inaddition, in the step S83, when a tap operation to the monochrome startkey 53 a is performed, a printing job in monochrome is performed, andwhen a tap operation to the color start key 53 b is performed, aprinting job in color is performed.

FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are flowcharts showing an example of the simple faxprocessing in the step S15 shown in FIG. 12. In the following, althoughthe simple fax processing will be described, the same processing orsimilar processing as the already explained processing will be describedsimply. If the simple fax processing is started as shown in FIG. 15, thefax first screen 61 as shown in FIG. 8(A) is displayed on the operatingpanel 20 in a step S101. In a next step S103, it is determined whetherthere is any user operation. If “NO” is determined in the step S103, theprocess returns to the step S101.

On the other hand, if “YES” is determined in the step S1, it isdetermined, in a step S105, whether a tap operation to the arrow markbutton 45 is performed, or whether a flick operation is performed. If“YES” is determined in the step S105, the fax first screen 61 and thefax second screen 62 as shown in FIG. 8(B) are replaced with each otherin a step S107.

On the other hand, if “NO” is determined in the step S105, it isdetermined, in a step S109, whether a tap operation to the address bookbutton 65 a is performed. If “YES” is determined in the step S109, thatis, if a tap operation to the address book button 65 a is performed, theaddress book screen 66 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the operatingpanel 20 in a step S111, and the process returns to the step S103. Onthe other hand, if “NO” is determined in the step S109, that is, if atap operation to the address book button 65 a is not performed, it isdetermined, in a step S113, whether a tap operation to the historybutton 65 b is performed.

If “YES” is determined in the step S113, that is, if a tap operation tothe history button 65 b is performed, the history screen of the simplefax mode is displayed on the operating panel 20 in a step S115, and theprocess returns to the step S103. On the other hand, if “NO” isdetermined in the step S113, it is determined, in a step S117, whetherthe setting content is to be changed. Specifically, when the addressbook screen 66 is being displayed on the operating panel 20, it isdetermined whether sorting is selected (changed) as the setting content.Furthermore, when the history screen is being displayed on the operatingpanel 20, it is determined whether the destination address to bere-transmitted is selected as the setting content.

If “YES” is determined in the step S117, that is, if the setting contentis to be changed, change processing of the setting content according toa screen that is being displayed is performed in a step S119, and theprocess returns to step S103. On the other hand, if “NO” is determinedin the step S117, that is, not change of the setting content, it isdetermined, in a step S121 shown in FIG. 16, whether a tap operation tothe reset key 64 is performed. If “YES” is determined in the step S121,the setting content is initialized in a step S123, and the processreturns to the step S103 shown in FIG. 15. On the other hand, if “NO” isdetermined in the step S121, it is determined, in a step S125, whether atap operation to the start key 63 is performed.

If “NO” is determined in the step S125, that is, a tap operation to thestart key 63 is not performed, the process returns to the step S103after performing other processing in a step S127. Although detaileddescription is omitted, as the other processing, display of screen fordirectly input fax number, directly input of fax number, displaydocument size setting screen, selection of document size, displaysetting screen of document reading density, setting density, displaysetting screen of document reading image quality, setting image quality,display line selection screen, line selection, etc. corresponds.Furthermore, when operating the home button, the control portion 17forcedly terminates the simple fax processing, and returns to the stepS1 shown in FIG. 12 by interruption.

On the other hand, if “YES” is determined in the step S125, that is, ifa tap operation to the start key 63 is performed, the process returns tothe step S103 after performing fax transmission processing in a stepS129.

FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are flowcharts showing an example of the simple scanprocessing in the step S19 shown in FIG. 12. In the following, althoughthe simple scan processing will be described, the same processing orsimilar processing as the already explained processing will be describedsimply. If the simple scan processing is started as shown in FIG. 17,the scan first screen 71 as shown in FIG. 10(A) is displayed on theoperating panel 20 in a step S151. In a next step S153, it is determinedwhether there is any user operation. If “NO” is determined in the stepS153, the process returns to the step S151.

On the other hand, if “YES” is determined in the step S153, it isdetermined, in a step S155, whether a tap operation to the arrow markbutton 45 is performed, or whether a flick operation is performed. If“YES” is determined in the step S155, the scan first screen 71 and thescan second screen 72 as shown in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B) are replacedwith each other in a step S157.

On the other hand, if “NO” is determined in the step S155, it isdetermined, in a step S159, whether a tap operation to the address bookbutton 75 a is performed. If “YES” is determined in the step S159, thatis, if a tap operation to the address book button 75 a is performed, theaddress book screen is displayed on the operating panel 20 in a stepS161, and the process returns to the step S153. On the other hand, if“NO” is determined in the step S159, that is, if a tap operation to theaddress book button 75 a is not performed, it is determined, in a stepS163, whether a tap operation to the history button 75 b is performed.

If “YES” is determined in the step S163, that is, if a tap operation tothe history button 75 b is performed, the history screen 76 of thesimple scan mode is displayed on the operating panel 20 in a step S165,and the process returns to the step S153. On the other hand, if “NO” isdetermined in the step S163, it is determined, in a step S1617, whetherthe setting content is to be changed. Specifically, when the addressbook screen 76 is being displayed on the operating panel 20, it isdetermined whether sorting is selected (changed) as the setting content.Furthermore, when the history screen 76 is being displayed on theoperating panel 20, it is determined whether the destination address tobe re-transmitted is selected as the setting content.

If “YES” is determined in the step S167, that is, if the setting contentis to be changed, change processing of the setting content according toa screen that is being displayed is performed in a step S169, and theprocess returns to step S153. On the other hand, if “NO” is determinedin the step S167, that is, not change of the setting content, it isdetermined, in a step S171 shown in FIG. 18, whether a tap operation tothe reset key 74 is performed. If “YES” is determined in the step S171,the setting content is initialized in a step S173, and the processreturns to the step S153 shown in FIG. 17. On the other hand, if “NO” isdetermined in the step S171, it is determined, in a step S175, whether atap operation to the start key 73 is performed.

If “NO” is determined in the step S175, that is, a tap operation to thestart key 73 is not performed, the process returns to the step S153after performing other processing in a step S177. Although detaileddescription is omitted, as the other processing, display of screen forperforming global address search, performing global address search,selection body/device saving, display document size setting screen,selection of document size, display setting screen of document readingresolution, setting resolution, display format selection screen,selection of format, on/off of blank sheet skip function, etc.corresponds. Furthermore, when operating the home button, the controlportion 17 forcedly terminates the simple scan processing, and returnsto the step S1 shown in FIG. 12 by interruption.

On the other hand, if “YES” is determined in the step S175, that is, ifa tap operation to the start key 73 is performed, the process returns tothe step S153 after performing scan transmission processing in a stepS179. In addition, in the step S179, when a tap operation to themonochrome start key 73 a is performed, scan transmission processing inmonochrome is performed, and when a tap operation to the color start key73 b is performed, scan transmission processing in color is performed.

Although the present invention has been mentioned and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spiritand scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms ofthe appended claims.

Furthermore, it is intended that the scope of the present inventioncovers all modifications within the meaning and range of equivalency ofthe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multifunction peripheral having a plurality ofoperation modes, comprising: a display portion configured to display afirst user interface image for selecting an operation mode and a seconduser interface image for setting an operation condition in a selectedoperation mode, wherein the first user interface image has a pluralityof first operating icons, and includes a first display region that theplurality of first operating icons for selecting a plurality ofoperation modes are switchably displayed, a second display region thatthe plurality of first operating icons are fixedly displayed and a thirddisplay region that displays the plurality of first operating icons, thesecond user interface image has a plurality of second operating icons,and includes a third display region that the plurality of secondoperating icons for setting a plurality of operation conditions areswitchably displayed, a fifth display region that the plurality ofsecond operating icons are fixedly displayed and a sixth display regionthat display a operation mode that is selected from the plurality ofoperation modes by the first user interface image, the first displayregion and the fourth display region have an overlapping area, thesecond display region and the fifth display region have an overlappingarea, and the third display region and the sixth display region have anoverlapping area.
 2. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1,wherein the overlapping area has an area larger than an area of anon-overlapping area in each of the third display region and the sixthdisplay region.
 3. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1,wherein an entire display region of the display portion is a rectangularshape, and the third display region and the sixth display region areprovided along the same side of the entire display region.
 4. Themultifunction peripheral according to claim 3, wherein the seconddisplay region and the fifth display region are provided along the sameside of the entire display region.
 5. The multifunction peripheralaccording to claim 3, wherein each of the third display region and thesixth display region is provided along one of two opposite sides of anentire display region of the display portion, and each of the seconddisplay region and the fifth display region is provided along anotherone of the two opposite sides.
 6. The multifunction peripheral accordingto claim 3, wherein each of the third display region and the sixthdisplay region is provided along an upper end of the display portion. 7.The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the pluralityof second operating icons include a plurality of setting iconsconfigured to set operation conditions, a start key configured toinstruct performing image processing, and a reset key configured toinstruct clearing set content of the operation conditions, andirrespective of the operation mode, the plurality of setting icons aredisplayed in the third display region, and the start key and the resetkey are displayed in the fifth display region.
 8. The multifunctionperipheral according to claim 7, wherein the start key is displayed inany one of the corner portions of the entire display region, and thereset key is displayed in another one of the corner portions of theentire display region.